is a Japanese drama film released on December 16, 1995 by

Toho Company Ltd. is a Japanese film, theatre production and distribution company. It has its headquarters in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and is one of the core companies of the Osaka-based Hankyu Hanshin Toho Group. Outside of Japan, it is best known as the producer a ...

The film was directed and written by Ryosuke Hashiguchi and features a lead role played by Japan's highest selling female musician

Ayumi Hamasaki is a Japanese singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, model, spokesperson, and entrepreneur. By 2002, Hamasaki had earned the nickname "Empress of J-pop" due to her popularity in Japan and throughout Asia. Due to her success and relevanc ...

. It won three major awards in 1996 and 1997 including an award for best screenplay and two international awards.Nagisa no Shindobaddo (1995) - Awards
/ref> It was featured in the 1996

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as well as the 1997 International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in

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.Nagisa no Shindobaddo (1995) - Release dates
/ref>

Synopsis

Shuji Ito (

Yoshinori Okada (born 19 March 1977 in Ōno, Gifu) is a Japanese actor. He has starred several TV series such as '' Atsuhime'' (2008) and '' Nobuta. O Produce'' (2005) as well as movies such as ''Densha otoko'' (2005). He is a high school graduate and does not ...

) is a shy boy in the top class at secondary school. He feels attracted to his classmate and best friend Yoshida (Kōta Kusano), who is not aware of Ito's intimate feelings. The two spend time with Tōru Kanbara (Kōji Yamaguchi), whose comic actions hide his sensitive nature. Kasane Aihara (

) is new at school and remains aloof with her cool attitude. No one knows that at her previous school she was raped and is now in therapy. Meanwhile, Yoshida, who is currently involved with the insecure Shimizu, is interested in Aihara, the mysterious new girl. Each teen is hiding behind a wall which they must break through during this tough process of maturation.

Cast

as Shuji Ito *

as Kasane Aihara *Kōji Yamaguchi as Tōru Kanbara *Kumi Takada as Ayako Shimizu *Shizuka Isami as Rika Matsuo *Kōta Kusano as Hiroyuki Yoshida *Yoshihiko Hakamada as Fujita

Awards

Mainichi Film Concours
1996 - Best Screenplay Rotterdam International Film Festival
1996 - Tiger Award Torino International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
1997 - Best Feature Film

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Like Grains Of Sand 1995 films Films directed by Ryōsuke Hashiguchi Japanese LGBT-related films 1995 LGBT-related films Gay-related films 1990s Japanese films